The agreement extends a deal first inked in October 2024 to fuel Antarctica21’s ten guest transport vessels with HIF’s synthetic gasoline for a second consecutive season.

Antarctica21 operates the Zodiac boats to transport tourists from its cruise ship for on-ice expeditions off the coast of Chile.

The e-gasoline is produced at HIF’s first plant in Chile, Haru Oni, which has been operating since 2022. The plant uses wind energy to power electrolysis for hydrogen production, which is synthesised with recycled carbon dioxide into e-fuels.

HIF CEO, Víctor Turpaud, said the extended deal would allow the firm to show how regional tourism can be a “driver” of green innovation.

With green hydrogen-based fuels facing high cost barriers for mainstream markets, proponents suggest “luxury” market segments could be an early demand centre.

Antarctica21 CEO, Verónica Peragallo, said that by using the fuels, the company was reaffirming its responsibility to protect Antarctica.

Said to be the only Antarctic tourism company using e-fuel boats, Antarctica21 is also looking at using synthetic marine diesel to fuel its cruise ships.